I've been absolutely fascinated for years by the highly positive findings around exposing dementia patients to art, both as an observer and as a participant.  How amazing that exposure to great and moving art can significantly improve patients' functioning!

ARTZ offers free, local museum tours designed for Alzheimers/dementia patients. This is the type of activity our caregivers can take clients to, as well as families can explore with their loved ones: http://www.artistsforalzheimers.org/tourschedule.html

Their next offering is at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. After that, they offer their one-hour tours at the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, MA, the Fuller-Craft Museum in Brockton, MA, the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, MA, and the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln MA.

Art: a new generation drug? And the side-effects are all good! Have you had an experience with art and dementia that you'd like to share with us!  Add it to our comments section below.